Coban & Semuc Champey

The city of Cobán is the capital of the department of Alta Verapaz in the central region of the country and is located 219 kilometers from Guatemala City. Cobán is surrounded by mountains filled with orchids, including the national symbolic flower, the Monja Blanca. Attractions in Cobán include Las Victorias National Park, Laguna Lachuá National Park, the Candelaria Caves, HunNal Ye Park, and the Mario Dary Rivera Biotope. Multiple caves, waterfalls, and forests can be found, which are home to Guatemala’s national bird, the Quetzal. Therefore, Cobán has become a popular destination for ecotourism.

Semuc Champey is a natural monument in the department of Alta Verapaz, near the Maya Q’eqchi’ town of Lanquín. It is a 300-meter natural limestone bridge under which the Cahabón River flows. On top of the bridge, there is a series of stepped turquoise pools, which have become a popular attraction for swimming and relaxation. It is located in a valley with steep, forest-covered walls, from where the crystal-clear natural pools can be seen. Although it can be difficult to reach, Semuc Champey is becoming increasingly popular among travelers. Semuc Champey is one of the most incredible destinations in Guatemala, a place that is impossible not to visit.